The 14th edition and the second virtual edition of Fashion Design Council of India's (FDCI) India Couture Week (ICW) came to an end over the weekend. And, we can't get enough of all the bridal couture that the designers brought to the ramp this year. From Kriti Sanon in Manish Malhotra's Nooraniyat to Shraddha Kapoor in Falguni Shane Peacock, not to mention debutants such as fashion influencer Sakshi Sindwani, and designer Siddharth Tytler. The show gave us major wedding goals throughout, with the remarkable collection presented by every designer.
Here's what caught our attention on the last two days of the event.
Day 6
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna
Designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna opened Day 6 of ICW 2021, with their cocktail couture collection. It featured velvet tuxedoes with modern embroidery on them, done with heritage techniques. This was followed by halter neck evening dresses in rich gem stones of amethyst, emerald and garnet. Then there were cocktail dresses in black with a hint of beige, accesorised with beads, jewels, and feathers on them. The use of hand embroidery, sheer fabrics, tulle, and organza in women's dresses; and tassels, fringes, crystals, and metallic thread embroidery in men's outfits, were the main highlight of the collection.
Tarun Tahiliani
Next up was designer Tarun Tahiliani's Artisanal Couture collection comprising six discrete capsule collections each flaunting his signature 'India Modern' design aesthetic. These included, Pichwai, Chikankari, Cocktail Goddess, Rangrez, Bridal, and Pakeezagi. The Pichwai collection was inspired by Rajasthan's ancient lyrical paintings. The Chikankari capsule showed carvings from the tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah in Agra. The Rangrez collection had woven brocade stripes cut out and applied in different forms. On the blouse he used embellishments and textures in mirror jadau, jali, gota patti, cut dana, resham flowers, and more. The lehengas, sherwanis, skirts and shirts were made in fabrics such as, organza, tulle, sheer silk, moonga silk, and more. The designer had also brought to the ramp a collection of bags, belts, and shoes.
Anamika Khanna
Ending Day 6 was designer Anamika Khanna with her collection – a way of rejoicing beauty -- a mix of fusion and Indian wear. Draped skirts, jackets, multicoloured lehengas, in shades of ivory, pastel, black and twilight, had zari and threadwork on them. The white saris were paired with pearl veils. The embroidered and glittery dhotis, bandhgalas and kurta sets from the men's collection, all in pastel colours were paired with headdresses studded in gemstones.
Day 7
Kunal Rawal
Designer Kunal Rawal's Vision Quest collection presented by actor Sonam Kapoor, was inspired by the concept of coming of age; the youth transitioning into adulthood. Metallic tones, contemporary silhouettes, intricate embroideries; the collection was all about bringing newness to traditional clothing. The collection comprised silhouettes such as, kurta kaftan, classic bandi, sherwani. These were crafted in linen, cotton, and satin fabrics, with thread work, surface textures, and French knotting. The choice of colours included shades of lilac, lemon, ivory, dusty salmon, iced sky, charcoal, denim blue and more.
Anju Modi
Designer Anju Modi in her collection called the Eternal Story paid tribute to the power of generational legacy. Models in colourful, hand embroidered, metallic textiles, were seen dancing, playing on swings, and running around the house. The heavy skirts and chiffon veils in reds, yellows, and pastel pinks, paired with jewellery by Archana Aggarwal, looked stunning and even took viewers back in time.
Rahul Mishra
ICW 2021 ended with designer Rahul Mishra's Kamkhab collection that was developed during the two pandemic-induced lockdowns. The collection displayed saris, skirts, and blouses, made with fabrics such as, crepe, silk organza, tissue, and georgette; Banarasi cutwork and Chanderi silk textile. All the pieces were hand embroidered with traditional techniques, and the show was filmed in a century-old haveli.